source: Sopra Steria
In the past few months, we have all witnessed how the Coronavirus wave has been wiping away the majority of our standards of living and common practices we typically undertake.
How did the Covid-19 affect the UK Visa application proceedure?
In the past few weeks, many applicants have been receiving emails from the UKVCAS, reassuring them that, the Home Office has worked out a system to make the application process smoother in the wake of Covid-19 crisis. A new mobile app named 'IDV' has been introduced to facilitate the reuse of biometrics including capturing a digital image of the applicants.
IDV App
The IDV app is a mobile application available in ios and play store to download for selected applicants that qualify for reuse of biometrics. This is an Invite only process & applicants must wait for an email from the UKVCAS.
Foreign individuals who have submitted their fingerprints with previous leave to enter and remain applications could be eligible for an exemption from biometrics data submission. The Home Office would directly contact qualifying applicants to confirm their entitlement, and eligible applicants would only be required to upload a digital photo of the IDV App.
The IDV App has been launched in August 2020 and is in use right now. The Home Office has informed that the applicant’s immigration status will remain unaffected whilst the application is in progress. Applicants will be able to choose whether they are happy to proceed with submitting their biometric data via the IDV App or whether they wish to book an appointment via the traditional way, by attending a UKVCAS Service Point.
It is currently unsure whether this will be only a temporary measure or become a permanent procedure.
FAQs
Can I upload all my supporting documents onto the UKVCAS IDV app?
Yes. The IDV app has been designed and launched for applicants to upload their supporting documents in order to complete their visa application.
How much does the UKVCAS IDV app cost?
The IDV app is free to use.
How long does the application process take via the UKVCAS IDV app?
The processing times for your visa application will not be faster than standard. However, by submitting your documents remotely, you may have more control over the completion time of your application.
Can I use the UKVCAS IDV app before I’ve been invited to use it?
No. You must wait until you are contacted to download the app.
Can I save my application partway through the process?
Yes. You may upload supporting documents at separate times before confirming the submission of full evidence.
To learn more, download the official FAQs’ document.
I have applied on 28april for biometric residence card but still have not received email
To use idv app as I have submitted my biometric when I applied for pre settled status and granted.people who applied late than me have received emails
We need some further clarifications regarding this. Please contact us using Live chat or call us on 020 8175 4000.